For gentle skin exfoliation, lactic acid is a preferred ingredient. It is an organic acid naturally present in certain fruits and vegetables. It can be found in various types of products such as serums, lotions, or creams. When should a lactic acid-based product be used during the day? How often?
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When and how often should lactic acid be used?
Summary
- Reminders about lactic acid and its benefits for the skin
- When is the best time of day to use lactic acid?
- How often should lactic acid be used?
- For how long should lactic acid be used?
- Our lactic acid skincare treatments
- Sources
Published August 29, 2022,
updated on July 26, 2024,
by
Sandrine, Scientific Editor
—
6 min read
Reminders about lactic acid and its benefits for the skin.
Thelactic acid is part of the alpha-hydroxy acids (A.H.A.) family. Naturally present in the skin, it is produced by the beneficial bacteria of the skin flora. Thus, it is referred to as apost-biotic. In addition, this substance can also be found in certain foods such as sugarcane and wine.
Many cosmetic products are formulated with lactic acid, including serums, tonics, and creams. This active ingredient is highly valued primarily for its keratolytic properties. Indeed, lactic acid eliminates dead cells on the surface of the epidermis, accelerating cell renewal. Thanks to its properties, lactic acid is an excellent active ingredient to combat signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines) and imperfections (acne, blackheads, post-acne spots). In addition to its exfoliating power, lactic acid maintains good hydration of the stratum corneum due to its hygroscopic properties. Furthermore, scientific studies have also highlighted the depigmenting properties of lactic acid. Indeed, lactic acid inhibits the activity of enzymes involved in the process of melanogenesis (the mechanism responsible for the production of melanin): the tyrosinases.
Compared to other molecules in the A.H.A. family, particularly glycolic acid, thelactic acid has a gentle exfoliating power. Unlike glycolic acid, which penetrates deeply into the epidermis and can cause irritation, thelactic acid acts on the surface. This is due to its higher molecular weight, which prevents it from crossing the epidermis. Additionally, since lactic acid is a molecule naturally present on the skin, at the level of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), it is better tolerated by the skin.
Thus, lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive ones. It helps to accelerate cellular renewal while maintaining good hydration of the epidermis.
When is the best time of day to use lactic acid?
Lactic acid is a photosensitizing molecule, meaning it increases the skin's sensitivity to UV rays. Therefore, to avoid the risk of sunburn or irritation, a lactic acid treatment should be used only in the evening. Moreover, it is in the evening when cellular regeneration is at its peak (between 11pm and 2am). Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen the following morning to protect yourself from the sun's UV rays.
How often should lactic acid be used?
A lactic acid treatment is typically usedonce a day, preferably in the evening. Initial uses may cause slight redness. This is simply the time needed for the skin to get accustomed to the molecule. These effects will fade after several uses. If the redness is too severe, it is recommended to space out its use by a few days until the skin adjusts, or even to stop using lactic acid treatments altogether.
For how long should lactic acid be used?
You can incorporate this active ingredient into your evening beauty routine,daily. There is no maximum usage duration to adhere to, as this acid is gentle and generally well tolerated by all skin types.
Our lactic acid skincare treatments.
At Typology, we have formulated a gentle peeling serum containing 10% lactic acid. It helps to remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter, and more even skin. It also containsacerola extract which helps to combat free radicals responsible for dull complexion. Apply 3 to 4 drops of your lactic acid serum to the face, only in the evening. Be sure not to use it in the morning and not to expose yourself to the sun after application. Limit any exposure for a week after application. The use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is highly recommended. We recommend using your serum for a period of at least 4 weeks in order to see its effects.
You can also use our peeling mask, enriched with 10% A.H.A. and 10% P.H.A. This concentrated gel mask eliminates dead cells to unclog pores and refine skin texture. It leaves the complexion even and the skin texture smoothed. Over time, it also helps to reduce the presence of blackheads. Just like our gentle peeling serum, use this mask only in the evening and limit sun exposure in the following days.
Sources
SMITH W. P. & others. Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (1996).
Rotsztejn H. & al. Lactic and Lactobionic Acids as Typical Moisturizing Compounds. International Journal of Dermatology (2018)
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